Fancy-free Type 1792 - 1793

print

imaginative character sketch

toned paper

light pencil work

quirky sketch

print

pencil sketch

japan

personal sketchbook

sketchbook drawing

watercolour illustration

sketchbook art

watercolor

This woodblock print, created by renowned Japanese artist Kitagawa Utamaro in 1792-1793, showcases a beautiful woman in a relaxed, almost casual pose. Utamaro was known for his depictions of women, often highlighting their delicate features and elegant attire, as seen in this portrayal of a woman dressed in a lavish, patterned kimono, holding a loose piece of fabric in her hands. This work, aptly titled “Fancy-Free Type”, embodies Utamaro's masterful use of lines and colors, contributing to a captivating and timeless portrayal of beauty. The print's simple yet refined composition and subtle color palette create a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

⋮

After producing a few successful books, Utamaro and the publisher Tsutaya launched an innovative type of bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women) series. It was the first to feature women in half-length portraits, a format previously reserved for yakusha-e (actor prints). It was also the first attempt by an ukiyo-e artist to represent the individuality of women. Except for the most famous prostitutes, print designers tended to depict women as stereotypes of femininity. Utamaro’s close-up portraits straightforwardly captured the facial expressions of his models, vividly evoking their personalities despite their anonymity. The woman shown here is identified on the print as the “fickle type.” To convey that quality, Utamaro has her casting a glance over her shoulder, hoping to catch the eye of an interested suitor as she returns, careless and disheveled, from the bath.